My birthday week ended up being a total wash out, so the nice summer-y dress I had lined up to sew became an unrealistic prospect! It was so wet and windy in the days running up to my birthday, I needed a back up plan. Now this Simplicity New Look 6446 jumpsuit pattern may seem like an odd choice for me. It's not particularly vintage or pinup style, but something in me said I needed it!
Here's peek at the pattern:
Being only 5"4, I opted for the cropped trouser version, halfway between being a jumpsuit and a playsuit. I certainly had my reservations with this pattern being curvy, I was pretty sure it was going to be horribly unflattering, but non the less, I gave it a go. I combined it with a floral viscose I picked up at the Birmingham Rag Market a few months ago.
I also wore the jumpsuit in my May Sew and Tell video below:
The construction of this pattern was surprisingly straight forward, and I don't remember having any difficulty making it or following the instructions. It was also a pretty speedy make, taking me an afternoon.
As well as the nice and simple construction, I'm pleasantly surprised by the fit. I did no FBA or alterations and I couldn't be happier with the final result! Shocker.
Sewing Summary:
Pattern: Simplicity 6446
Fabric: Floral viscose from Birmingham Rag Market & lining
Notions: Ribbon to stabilise the underarm seams, elastic.
Sewing time: An afternoon
Modifications: None
Fit: Better than expected!
Difficulty: Pretty straight forward, suited to a confident beginner and beyond!
Watch out for: Getting a good fit around the bum, fabric with a bit of stretch would be great.
Make Again?: I'd love to make a light weight denim version.
Overall, the Simplicity 6446 pattern was a surprise winner for me! I've worn it so often since I made it back in May. It's comfy, stylish, practical and can be dressed up or down. I like to wear mine styled with a t shirt underneath with converse for an everyday look.
I'm certainly very happy to have left my sewing comfort zone! Have you ever sewn a jumpsuit?
Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo
Sewing Summary:
Pattern: Simplicity 6446
Fabric: Floral viscose from Birmingham Rag Market & lining
Notions: Ribbon to stabilise the underarm seams, elastic.
Sewing time: An afternoon
Modifications: None
Fit: Better than expected!
Difficulty: Pretty straight forward, suited to a confident beginner and beyond!
Watch out for: Getting a good fit around the bum, fabric with a bit of stretch would be great.
Make Again?: I'd love to make a light weight denim version.
Overall, the Simplicity 6446 pattern was a surprise winner for me! I've worn it so often since I made it back in May. It's comfy, stylish, practical and can be dressed up or down. I like to wear mine styled with a t shirt underneath with converse for an everyday look.
I'm certainly very happy to have left my sewing comfort zone! Have you ever sewn a jumpsuit?
Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo
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Behind The Seams | Butterick B6453 Fitted & Full Skirt Dresses + My Cheat's FBA!
Behind The Seams 6/16/2017
Hi pinups! I want to get into the habit of sharing my (usually) weekly YouTube videos with my lovely blog readers. This week I shared the first video in my new 'Behind The Seams' series. It'll be a vlog series giving you a closer look inside some of my favourite makes. Along with having a close up look at the insides of garments (eeek), I'll be talking about any adjustments I made to the pattern.
My first Behind The Seams is all about my favourite vintage style summer dress, the Butterick Patterns by Gertie B6453 dress! In the video below, I'll be showing you the inside of my first full gathered skirt dress as well as giving you a first look at my fitted skirt version, aka My Jayne Mansfield dress!
This video also features my full bust adjustment! Although, there's a reason I'm calling it a 'cheat's FBA' as it was sooo simple. I don't need a large adjustment so I opted for a super simple, quick technique to create a great fit. Don't believe me? Well there's also a (unavoidable boob) close up of my final fit on my latest version, proving this technique sure worked for me!
Watch now:
Behind The Seams | Butterick B6453 + My Easy Full Bust Adjustment!
I hope you enjoy my first Behind The Seams video! Let me know if there's any patterns I've sewn that you'd like a further look at or suggestions for me to try in the future.
Thanks for reading (and watching!), pinups!
xo
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Minerva Craft Blogger Network - My Plans for the Next 3 Months! June - August
Minerva Crafts Blogger Network 6/14/2017
Hi pinups! You may have noticed I skipped May for my Minerva Craft Blogger Network makes. My month filled up so quickly and I literally couldn't fit in any more sewing! But I'm back and starting with June, with 3 gorgeous vintage inspired summer dresses on the sewing menu - my favourite! See below for my plans from June to August and links to buy all my supplies....
June:
After making the full skirted version, and battling with the wind during our unreliable UK weather, I thought the fitted version in a casual cotton would make a great summer time day dress.
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July:
I knew I had to have this new Sew Over It Eve dress pattern as soon as I saw it. Then following all the lovely versions cropping up online, I had to snap it up as part of my Minerva Craft Blogger Network makes. Paired with this gorgeous floral with a hint of tropical, I'm hoping for a winning vintage style combo!
Pattern: Sew Over It Eve Dress
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August:
When I spotted this stunning fabric 'new in' at Minerva Craft a couple of months back, I just about died and went to fabric heaven. I had no idea what I was going to make, but I knew I needed it. I've settled on a 1960s dress with a full skirt to show off that gorgeous floral print. Someone invite me to their wedding so I can wear it??
Pattern: Butterick 5748 - Vintage 1960s
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If you want to check out my previous makes for the Blogger Network, you can check out my profile HERE. I hope you like the look of my plans (blimey these months fill up with sewing plans fast!), stay tuned!
Thanks for reading, pinups.
xo
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As part of my role of Simplicity's Vintage Ambassador I'll be giving my lovely followers a chance to win the vintage and retro patterns I sew too! Simplicity have generously offered 3 copies of the 8342 pattern for me to giveaway!
I decided to sew version B, the capped sleeve jersey top.
I'd recommend this pattern for adventurous beginners and beyond! This top pattern contains some great skills to expand your jersey sewing knowledge. But if you're not sure, don't forget I filmed a handy 'Stitch by Stitch' sew along video to help you along the way!
Click the image below to be taken to my tutorial video
This is my new favourite me-made jersey top and it's a great way to dress up jeans for days out and about. I'd also like to make myself a plain 1950s style circle skirt to pair with both my versions of this top.
For your chance to win one of 3 copies of the Simplicity 8342 pattern, which includes 2 versions of this tie front top, a super sassy pencil skirt with a fun ruffle hem and chic cigarette pants for a pinup perfect look, here's what you need to do...
Head over to my Instagram page and find the above image on my profile, then follow these steps to enter:
- Repost this image to your profile (using a repost app or simply screen shot the image & post it)
- Tag me and Simplicity in your post
- Use the hashtag #SimplicityThroughTheAges
- Tell us about which garment you would make first! (I'm nosy!)
Terms:
- All the above instructions need to be completed for a valid entry.
- Your profile must be public for us to be able to see your entry.
- One entry profile.
- Open internationally.
- 3 winners will be selected at random on Friday 9th June and winners will be announced on my Instagram profile at 10am.
Thank you so much for all the wonderful feedback on my first sew along video so far, I'm so happy to hear it's useful. Please do enter my Instagram giveaway, and good luck!
Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo
P.S. The make up in this photo-shoot was kindly done by my best friend Sam Flockhart, a professional make up artist. Please do check out her and page for more information and bookings. She's fab!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Simplicity & Girl Charlee but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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In my previous post I announced becoming Simplicity's Vintage Ambassador, and this is my first post in the series! The 8342 Simplicity pattern is part of the new season range, and whilst not vintage or reproduction, you can't deny it's sassy, rockabilly, 1950s appeal. I jumped at the chance to get my paws on this pattern and knew just the jersey fabric to go with it!
For my first version I used THIS gorgeous Girl Charlee striped jersey fabric to create Version B, the capped sleeve top pattern.
Here's a peek at the pattern:
I love all the options that come with this pattern, I can certainly see myself making the cigarette pants next to complete the pinup look!
I'd certainly recommend this pattern for fellow busty girls, as the top has a really flexible fit. I find that when sewing jersey garments I don't really need to do any full bust adjustments, and even more so with this pattern as you can tie the front to suit you. Perfect!
I was pleasantly surprised at how simple the top was to sew and it didn't take more than a couple of hours. The fit of the top is really good and I love the overall style. My only negative would be that personally, I'm not sure I find the cap sleeves very flattering on me. I think they make the proportions of my arms look bigger. I'd love to make a version omitting the cap completely, or perhaps the cute halterneck version instead.
Like I said in my previous Simplicity Vintage Ambassador announcement post, I've filmed a super handy sew along video to go along with this pattern. Which also meant I got to make another version of this great summer staple top!
Stitch by Stitch with Simplicity - 8342 Sew Along
In the video below, you'll be able to follow along as I sew my second version of this top, along with a first look at my floral make in my first 'out-and-about' photo shoot. I really hope you find the video helpful and inspires you to try this gorgeous new pattern!
If you have any questions about the making of this pattern please do leave a comment on the video!
Sewing Summary:
Pattern: Simplicity Ladies Sewing Pattern 8342 Knit Tops, Cropped Trousers & Skirts
Fabric: Homestead Life Saloon Stripe Cotton Spandex Knit Fabric by BOLT by Girl Charlee
Notions: Ribbon to stabilise the underarm seams, elastic.
Sewing time: A couple of hours.
Modifications: Just a slight shortening of the straps.
Fit: Spot on!
Difficulty: Straight forward, beginners shouldn't be put off sewing this pattern - there's some great techniques to learn in here.
Watch out for: Take extra care sewing the cap sleeves for a nice and tidy finish.
Make Again?: I already did! See my video above for a first look at my floral version I made in the sew along video or here's a peek below...
Next up, I'll be sharing my images from my first outdoor photo-shoot featuring the above 8342 top AND I'll be hosting a giveaway for people to win 3 copies of this pattern!
Overall, I am very pleased indeed to have these new pinup style tops in my handmade wardrobe. They're easy to wear and comfy whilst remaining stylish with the ability to dress up jeans or pair with circle skirts for a true 1950s look. I really hope you've enjoyed my first post as Simplicity's Vintage Ambassador. Stay tuned for lots more sewing fun. Will you be trying this pattern?
Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Simplicity & Girl Charlee but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I've been holding on to this announcement for a couple of weeks and I'm so excited to finally share it with you! I really excited to say I'm Simplicity's Vintage Ambassador! Which essentially means I'm going to be helping Simplicity celebrate their amazing 90 years in the industry by sewing lots of their iconic vintage and retro patterns, sharing them with you and creating lots of sew-alongs, hosting giveaways & more!
I'm honoured to be working with such an iconic brand and even more so to be sewing such a wide range of their reproduction vintage patterns. I'll be sewing patterns all the way from the 1930s through to the 1970s, demonstrating all the ways to sew these patterns and to bring them into present day with my fabric and styling choices!
I'll be bringing you my usual sewing pattern review of each style, with an extended look at a second version, hopefully with more editorial style photo shoots to show you how I style the garments out and about too. Along with helpful photos and reviews there will be full 'Stitch by Stitch' sew along videos on my ! Showing you how to sew the garment from start to finish. On top of all that awesomeness (if that wasn't enough for you already!) there will also be giveaways to win the patterns too!
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I really hope you'll enjoy following along with me on this exciting sewing venture. And a huge 'thank you' to Simplicity for letting me be a little piece of their history! I can't wait to share my first make and see your gorgeous versions too.
Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo
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